If your drinking water comes from a private well, you are responsible for your water's safety. EPA rules do not apply to private wells (although some state rules do), but EPA recommends that well owners have their water tested annually. Contact your state to get a list of certified commercial laboratories that test drinking water.

Compliance trends

Each state produces an annual report on trends among its drinking water systems. Virginia's report is not online, but read about compliance in EPA's national summary.

Funds for safer water

States can use funds that the EPA makes available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program to help their water supplie rs improve drinking water quality. Find out more about Virginia's program .